Golf-OneAsia Tour expands to 11 events in 2010

SINGAPORE, Nov 6 (Reuters) -OneAsia's tournament schedule will increase to 11 events in 2010, up from five this year, and offer prize money of at least $1 million per event, the new Asia Pacific golf tour announced on Friday.

Formed by the PGA of Australia, China Golf Association (CGA), Korea Golf Tour and Korea Golf Association earlier this year, the tour will expand by at least four more events in 2011.

Zhang Xiaoning, secretary general of the CGA and OneAsia chairman, said boosting competition and prize money in Asia was a boon for the region's golfers.

"OneAsia is providing a higher level of playing opportunities for golfers in the region by increasing the level of competition and boosting prize money for players to build a professional career 'at home'", he said in the statement.

"The level of interest in this year's schedule has been overwhelming."

In addition to stops in Australia, South Korea and China, the tour will also visit Thailand next year. Friday's statement released details of nine events, with two tournaments set to be unveiled later.

Korea Golf Tour Commissioner Seoung Ghee-wook, also a OneAsia director, said: "The growth of the OneAsia Tour will provide more large-tournament playing opportunities and accelerate the development of top quality golf in the region.

"This is great news not only for the emerging golfers following in the footsteps of Yang Yong-eun and KJ Choi, but also Korea's passionate golfing community and fans."

2010 OneAsia schedule: March 25-28 Luxe Hills Championship (China) $1 million April 1-4 Volvo China Open $2.3 million * June 17-20 Seoul Open (South Korea) $1 million Sept. 30-Oct 3 Thailand Open $1 million Oct. 7-10 Korea Open $1 million Oct. 14-17 Midea China Classic $TBA Oct. 21-24 Shandong Gold Cup Championship(China) $1 million Dec. 2-5 Australian Open $1.3 million Dec. 9-12 Australian PGA Championship $1.3 million * Date and prize fund to be confirmed) (Writing by Peter Rutherford; Editing by John O'Brien)